Reviewer Candace
Lybarger: Candace is a young wife, mother, and lover of all
books. She received her Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education
from The Ohio State University. Candace taught 3rd grade until an
opportunity presented itself where she could work from home and be
with her toddler. In addition to spending time with her family,
Candace enjoys reading, music, history, traveling, and spending time
outdoors. Her perfect day in a nutshell would be sitting in the sun
with a book...or two!

ThePriceofBlood, by Patricia Bracewell, is the
second book in The Emma of Normandy Trilogy. The first book,
Shadow on the Crown, followed fifteen year old Emma as she
left her homeland of Normandy and everything she knew to marry
Aethelred, the haunted King of war torn and pillaged England. Viking
invasions were blooding the land and causing much internal strife.
The second book picks up in 1006 where Shadow on the Crown
leaves off and then ends in 1012. While these books are fiction they
are based on real people, actual battles, and true events that have
been recorded in history. Bracewell used many works by
Anglo-Saxon scholars to conduct her research. What resulted is
an extraordinary piece of historical fiction that uses rich language,
detailed plot lines, and extensive character development. Bracewell
is a wonderfully talented writer which is seen in Shadow on the
Crown and The Price of Blood.

Queen
Emma is an unforgettable heroine that easily captures reader's
hearts, as well as the hearts and support of the English Court and
commoners. This does not endear her to the King or her stepchildren.
They view her and her young son Edward, who was named the rightful
heir to the thrown, as threats. She is strong, intelligent, and
dialed into the political landscape. Emma also keeps tabs on what is
going on inside her family, the Court, and with other nobles.

In
Shadow on the Crown, Emma falls in love with her eldest
stepson, Athelstan. He returns her feelings but they know nothing can
ever come of their dangerous love except heartache. When The Price
of Blood begins the King already distrusts and dislikes Emma and
he thinks Athelstan is out to steal his crown. If Emma or Athelstan
gave the King any reason to think that they had feelings for each
other it would lead to their destruction. This leads to the two
battling their desire for each other throughout The Price of
Blood.

The
Price of Blood does a wonderful job of illustrating just how hard
it was to be female during this time. Women practically had no say in
their lives and belonged fully to whichever man they were betrothed
to. It saddened me to see Emma have no control of her son Edward's
life. The King wanted them separated so that Emma would not influence
Edward as he grew older, thus he had him sent away. Bracewell also
demonstrated how disease heavily plagued the people of that age.
Sickness spread like wildfire and there was nothing they could do but
pray.

Patricia
Bracewell has created an exceptional historical trilogy in Emma of
Normandy. The Price of Blood is well written, well researched,
and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I am eagerly awaiting the final novel in
her trilogy to see what becomes of England, Emma, Athelstan,
Aethelred, and her children. If you are looking for a pivoting series
to read then you definitely need to get The Emma of Normandy
trilogy.